The Great Footnote Fiasco: Can You Interrupt a Sentence with a Superscript in the Windy City?
Ah, footnotes. Those little numerical gremlins that scurry across the page, beckoning the curious reader to a world of deeper knowledge (or, let's be honest, sometimes just an author's witty asides). But where, oh where, do these footnote fellows belong? Can they just barge into a sentence mid-flow, causing grammatical mayhem? Buckle up, footnote fanatics, because we're diving into the nitty-gritty of Chicago style!
Chicago Says "Hold Your Horses" (But Not Literally, That Would Be Uncouth)
According to the esteemed Chicago Manual of Style (affectionately known as CMOS by those in the know), footnotes prefer a more civilized approach. They should politely wait until the end of a sentence, clause, or even a phrase before making their appearance. This means no interrupting a sentence with a superscript 1 like some overeager stagehand.
Imagine the horror: "The Chicago deep dish pizza, with its buttery crust overflowing with cheese and all the good stuff, is a true culinary masterpiece 1 ." See how that superscript just throws a wrench into the rhythm? Not cool, footnote, not cool.
But There's Always a Twist (Except When There Isn't)
Now, before you resign yourself to a life of footnote placement predictability, there's a teeny tiny exception. If you absolutely must refer to something specific within a sentence, like a definition or a historical tidbit, the footnote number can snuggle up next to a dash.
For example: "The word 'footnote' — derived from the Latin 'pes paginae' meaning 'foot of the page' — has been a source of writerly frustration for centuries." Here, the dash acts as a natural break, allowing the footnote to clarify without disrupting the flow.
But remember, this exception is rarer than a perfectly balanced Chicago deep dish. Use it sparingly, and only when absolutely necessary.
So, the Verdict? Keep it Clean and Chicago-Approved
For the most part, when rocking Chicago style, let your footnotes wait patiently at the end of the sentence party. This keeps your writing clear, concise, and, dare we say, elegantly footnote-free.
Of course, if you're feeling particularly rebellious (and we all have those days), you can always check with your editor or professor. They might have a more relaxed stance on footnote placement, or they might just give you a stern look and remind you to follow the Chicago way.
Happy writing, and remember, footnotes are your friends, not your sentence-interrupting foes!
